Control information sending method and control information receiving method, and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present application discloses a control information sending method that includes: determining, by the user equipment, a first pattern from a preset set of patterns, wherein the pattern corresponds to an aggregation level for control information in each subframe of multiple subframes, and/or a resource indicator for a resource that is used for the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes; and acquiring, by the user equipment, the control information mapped on the resource in each subframe of the multiple subframes according to the first pattern.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/382,345, filed on Apr. 12, 2019, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/981,487, filed on Dec. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,284,348, which is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2013/078397, filed on Jun. 28, 2013. All of the afore-mentioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates to the communications field, and in particular, to a control information sending method, a control information receiving method, and an apparatus thereof.

BACKGROUND

A Long Term Evolution (LTE) project evolves from 3G. The LTE project improves and enhances an over-the-air access technology of 3G, and improves performance of a cell-edge user. In an LTE system, reliability of information transmission is one of issues that an operator cares about, where reliable transmission of control information is a premise of normal communication.

In the prior art, a control information transmission method is provided, which is specifically: performing, in an LTE system, transmission of control information by using a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). When a base station needs to send control information to UE, the base station first determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting the control information, determines, from candidate PDCCHs included in search space corresponding to the aggregation level, a candidate PDCCH as a PDCCH carrying the control information, and sends the control information to the UE in a downlink subframe by using the PDCCH. The UE blindly detects, in the downlink subframe and in search space corresponding to each aggregation level, the PDCCH. When determining the PDCCH that the base station provides for the UE, the UE acquires the control information.

Since a base station can perform mapping and transmission of the control information in only one downlink subframe, reliability of control information transmission is relatively low.

SUMMARY

To improve reliability of control information transmission, embodiments of the disclosure provide a control information transmission method and an apparatus. The technical solutions are as follows:

A control information sending method is provided, where the method includes:

-   -   determining, from a preset set of patterns, a pattern as a first         pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more         patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that         is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple         subframes, control information and/or determines a resource         indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each         subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information;     -   determining, according to the first pattern, a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information, and mapping the control         information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control         information; and sending the mapped control information by using         a physical channel.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource, an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe, an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, or an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource is: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

A control information receiving method is provided, where the method includes:

-   -   determining, from a preset set of patterns, a pattern as a first         pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more         patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that         is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple         subframes, control information and/or determines a resource         indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each         subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information; and     -   acquiring, according to the first pattern, the control         information on a resource, to which the control information is         mapped, in each subframe of the multiple subframes.

A base station is provided, where the base station includes:

-   -   a determining unit, configured to determine, from a preset set         of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set         of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information;     -   a mapping unit, configured to: determine, according to the first         pattern determined by the determining unit, a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information, and map the control         information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control         information; and     -   a sending unit, configured to send, by using a physical channel,         the control information mapped by the mapping unit.

User equipment (UE) is provided, where the UE includes:

-   -   a determining unit, configured to determine, from a preset set         of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set         of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information; and     -   an acquisition unit, configured to acquire, according to the         first pattern determined by the determining unit, the control         information on a resource, to which the control information is         mapped, in each subframe of the multiple subframes.

A base station is provided, where the base station includes:

-   -   a processor, configured to determine, from a preset set of         patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set of         patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information, where     -   the processor is further configured to: determine, according to         the first pattern, a resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control         information, and map the control information to the resource         that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information; and     -   a transmitter, configured to send, by using a physical channel,         the control information mapped by the processor.

User equipment (UE) is provided, where the UE includes:

-   -   a processor, configured to determine, from a preset set of         patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set of         patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information, where     -   the processor is further configured to acquire, according to the         first pattern, the control information on a resource, to which         the control information is mapped, in each subframe of the         multiple subframes.

In the embodiments of the disclosure, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns. The pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. A resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information is determined according to the first pattern. The control information is mapped to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the mapped control information is sent by using a physical channel. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a control information sending method according to Embodiment 1 of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart of a control information sending method according to Embodiment 2 of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a control information receiving method according to Embodiment 3 of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control information receiving method according to Embodiment 4 of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of a base station according to Embodiment 5 of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a schematic structural diagram of UE according to Embodiment 6 of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural diagram of a base station according to Embodiment 7 of the disclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural diagram of UE according to Embodiment 8 of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present application clearer, the following further describes the embodiments of the disclosure in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment 1

Referring to FIG. 1, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a control information sending method, including:

Step 101: Determine, from a preset set of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is one or more of the following: a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource; an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe; an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource; and an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource is: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

Step 102: Determine, according to the first pattern, a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and map the control information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

Step 103: Send the mapped control information by using a physical channel.

In this embodiment of the disclosure, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. A resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information is determined according to the first pattern. The control information is mapped to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the mapped control information is sent by using a physical channel. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

Embodiment 2

As shown in FIG. 2, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a control information sending method, where the method includes:

Step 201: A base station determines, from a preset set of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern.

The preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is one or more of the following: a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource; an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe; an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource; and an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource is: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

Preferably, the pattern further determines a control information format and/or power setting information that are/is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

A characteristic parameter of UE is determined, where each pattern of the preset set of patterns is corresponding to a characteristic parameter. A pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the UE is determined, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and a pattern, as the first pattern. The characteristic parameter may be: a path loss value or path loss range, a reference signal received power value or reference signal received power range, a reference signal received quality value or reference signal received quality range, a channel quality information value or channel quality information range, or a service type, a power saving requirement, a delay requirement, a quality of times a pre-specified channel is successfully detected, or a mobility requirement.

In this embodiment of the disclosure, this step may also be: determining a characteristic parameter of UE, determining, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and an index of a pattern, an index of a pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the UE, and determining, from a preset set of patterns according to the determined index of the pattern, a corresponding pattern as a first pattern.

The aggregation level is used to indicate a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information. The aggregation level may be corresponding to search space, and the search space corresponding to the aggregation level may provide multiple resources.

The pattern included in the preset set of patterns is one or more patterns that are determined according to a control element, a channel variation characteristic, a coverage enhancement degree, and/or a scheduling characteristic that are available in each subframe. Alternatively, the pattern included in the preset set of patterns is a pattern pre-specified by a system.

For example, subframes used for transmitting the control information include four subframes, and it is assumed that the four subframes are subframes 1, 2, 3, and 4. The preset set of patterns includes the following four patterns: pattern 1, pattern 2, pattern 3, and pattern 4, and an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the four subframes, the control information and a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the four subframes, the control information are determined in each pattern. In this embodiment, the resource indicator for the used resource is an index of a control channel element set in all control channel element sets provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe.

For pattern 1, the following are separately determined. Firstly, that an aggregation level used for transmitting, in the subframe 1, the control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space corresponding to the used aggregation level 4 is 0. Secondly, that an aggregation level used for transmitting, in the subframe 2, the control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space corresponding to the used aggregation level 4 is 0. Thirdly, that an aggregation level used for transmitting, in the subframe 3, the control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space corresponding to the used aggregation level 4 is 0. And fourthly, that an aggregation level used for transmitting, in the subframe 4, the control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space corresponding to the used aggregation level 4 is 0. Meanings indicated by the other patterns pattern 2, pattern 3, and pattern 4, can be similarly explained and described as that of the pattern 1, and are not be described in detail herein.

-   -   {Pattern 1: {(4, 0), (4, 0), (4, 0), (4, 0)}     -   Pattern 2: {(4, 0), (4, 0), (4, 1), (4, 1)}     -   Pattern 3: {(8, 0), (8, 0), (8, 0), (8, 0)}     -   Pattern 4: {(8, 0), (8, 0), (8, 1), (8, 1)}

Preferably, the base station notifies the UE of the preset set of patterns by using radio resource control (RRC) broadcast signaling, RRC dedicated signaling, media access control element (MAC CE) signaling, or physical layer signaling.

In this embodiment, the base station may add a field to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the preset set of patterns is configured in the field added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the preset set of patterns.

Preferably, the base station may add a field to a master information block (MIB) or a system information block (SIB) of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

Correspondingly, the base station may send the RRC broadcast signaling to the UE, where the preset set of patterns is configured in the field added to the MIB or the SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, so as to notify the UE of the preset set of patterns.

In this embodiment, the base station may add an information element to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the preset set of patterns is configured in the information element added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the preset set of patterns.

Preferably, the base station may add an information element to an MIB or an SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

Correspondingly, the base station may send the RRC broadcast signaling to the UE, where the preset set of patterns is configured in the information element added to the MIB or the SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, so as to notify the UE of the preset set of patterns.

Preferably, the base station determines a corresponding set of patterns for the UE, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is one or more patterns included in the preset set of patterns; and determines, from the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

Preferably, the base station notifies, by using RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling, the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

In this embodiment of the disclosure, the base station may add a field to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is configured in the field added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Preferably, the base station may add a field to an MIB or an SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Correspondingly, the base station may send the RRC broadcast signaling to the UE, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is configured in the field added to the MIB or the SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, so as to notify the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

In this embodiment, the base station may add an information element to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the information element is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is configured in the information element added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Preferably, the base station may add an information element to an MIB or an SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the information element is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Correspondingly, the base station may send the RRC broadcast signaling to the UE, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is configured in the information element added to the MIB or the SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, so as to notify the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Preferably, the base station may further notify, by using RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling, the UE of the determined first pattern.

In this embodiment, the base station may add a field to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field is used to configure the determined first pattern.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the determined first pattern is configured in the field added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the determined first pattern.

Preferably, the base station may add a field to an MIB or an SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field is used to configure the determined first pattern.

Correspondingly, the base station may send the RRC broadcast signaling to the UE, where the determined first pattern is configured in the field added to the MIB or the SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, so as to notify the UE of the determined first pattern.

In this embodiment, the base station may add an information element to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the information element is used to configure the determined first pattern.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the determined first pattern is configured in the information element added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the determined first pattern.

Preferably, the base station may add an information element to an MIB or an SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the information element is used to configure the determined first pattern.

Correspondingly, the base station may send the RRC broadcast signaling to the UE, where the determined first pattern is configured in the information element added to the MIB or the SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, so as to notify the UE of the determined first pattern.

Step 202: The base station determines, according to the determined first pattern, a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information.

Specifically, if the first pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, the base station determines, according to the first pattern, the aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and determines, in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

If the first pattern determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, the base station determines, from a preset supportable aggregation level, an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and determines, according to the first pattern, separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

If the first pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the first pattern determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, the base station determines, according to the first pattern, the aggregation level and the resource indicator for the resource. The aggregation level and the resource are used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the base station determines, according to the resource indicator for the resource used in each subframe, separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

Step 203: The base station separately maps to-be-sent control information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

A resource indicated by the determined resource indicator is the resource that is used for transmitting the control information. The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource may be: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands. The base station separately maps the to-be-sent control information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

Step 204: The base station sends the to-be-sent control information by using a physical channel.

In this embodiment, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. A resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information is determined according to the first pattern. The control information is mapped to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the mapped control information is sent by using a physical channel. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

Embodiment 3

Referring to FIG. 3, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a control information receiving method, including:

Step 301: Determine, from a preset set of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is one or more of the following: a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource; a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource; an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe; an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource; and an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource may be: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

Step 302: Acquire, according to the first pattern, the control information on a resource, to which the control information is mapped, in each subframe of the multiple subframes.

In this embodiment of the disclosure, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns. The pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. The control information is acquired, according to the first pattern, on a resource, to which the control information is mapped, in each subframe of the multiple subframes. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

Embodiment 4

Referring to FIG. 4, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a control information receiving method, including:

Step 401: UE determines, from a preset set of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern.

The preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, the control information.

Each pattern of the preset set of patterns corresponds to a characteristic parameter. The UE determines a characteristic parameter of the UE and determines, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and a pattern, a pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the UE as the first pattern. The characteristic parameter may be: a path loss value or range, a reference signal received power value or range, a reference signal received quality value or range, a channel quality information value or range, a service type, a power saving requirement, a delay requirement, a quality of times a pre-specified channel is successfully detected, or a mobility requirement.

In this embodiment, this step may also be: determining, by UE, a characteristic parameter of the UE, determining, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and an index of a pattern, an index of a pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the UE, and determining, from a preset set of patterns according to the determined index of the pattern, a corresponding pattern as a first pattern.

Preferably, the pattern included in the preset set of patterns further determines a control information format and/or power setting information that are/is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

Further, before determining, from the preset set of patterns, a pattern as the first pattern, the UE acquires the preset set of patterns that is notified, by a base station, by using RRC broadcast signaling, RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling.

In this embodiment, the base station notifies the UE of the preset set of patterns by using the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling.

Preferably, the base station adds a field to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the added field is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the preset set of patterns is configured in the field added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling.

The UE receives the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling that is sent by the base station, where the field is added, by the base station, to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, and the added field is used to configure the preset set of patterns; and determines the preset set of patterns according to the added field.

Preferably, the base station adds an information element to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the added information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the preset set of patterns is configured in the information element added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling.

The UE receives the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling that is sent by the base station, where the information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, and the added information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns; and determines the preset set of patterns according to the added information element.

In this embodiment, the UE may receive RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling that is sent by a base station, where a field or an information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, the field or the information element is used to configure a set of patterns corresponding to the UE, and the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is one or more patterns included in the preset set of patterns; determine, according to the field or the information element, the set of patterns corresponding to the UE; and determine, from the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

In this embodiment, the base station may add a field to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is configured in the field added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Preferably, the base station may add a field to an MIB or an SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Correspondingly, the base station may send the RRC broadcast signaling to the UE, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is configured in the field added to the MIB or the SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, so as to notify the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

In this embodiment, the base station may add an information element to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the information element is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Correspondingly, the base station may send, to the UE, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is configured in the information element added to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, so as to notify the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Step 402: The UE determines, according to the determined first pattern, a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information.

If the first pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, the UE determines, according to the first pattern, the aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and determines, in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

If the first pattern determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, the UE determines, from a preset supportable aggregation level, an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and determines, according to the first pattern, separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

If the first pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the first pattern determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, the UE determines, according to the first pattern, the aggregation level and the resource indicator for the resource, where the aggregation level and the resource are used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and determines, according to the resource indicator for the resource used in each subframe, separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

Step 403: The UE acquires the control information that is mapped to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

A resource indicated by the determined resource indicator is the resource that is used for transmitting the control information. The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource may be: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands. The UE acquires the mapped control information on the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

In this embodiment, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. The control information is acquired, according to the first pattern, on a resource, to which the control information is mapped, in each subframe of the multiple subframes. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

Embodiment 5

Referring to FIG. 5, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a base station, including:

-   -   a determining unit 501, configured to determine, from a preset         set of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset         set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information;     -   a mapping unit 502, configured to: determine, according to the         first pattern determined by the determining unit 501, a resource         that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information, and map the control         information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control         information; and     -   a sending unit 503, configured to send, by using a physical         channel, the control information mapped by the mapping unit 502.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource, an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe, an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, or an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource is: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

Preferably, the mapping unit 502 is configured to: determine, according to the first pattern, an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, determine, in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and map the control information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information; or

-   -   the mapping unit 502 is configured to: determine, from a preset         supportable aggregation level, an aggregation level that is used         for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information,         determine, according to the first pattern, separately in search         space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each         subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each         subframe, the control information, and map the control         information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe, the control information; or     -   the mapping unit 502 is configured to: determine, according to         the first pattern, an aggregation level and a resource indicator         for a resource, where the aggregation level and the resource are         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information; determine, according to the         resource indicator for the resource used in each subframe,         separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation         level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information; and map         the control information to the resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

Preferably, the pattern included in the preset set of patterns is one or more patterns that are determined according to a control element, a channel variation characteristic, a coverage enhancement degree, and/or a scheduling characteristic that are available in each subframe.

Preferably, the pattern included in the preset set of patterns is a pattern pre-specified by a system.

Preferably, the sending unit 503 is further configured to notify user equipment UE of the preset set of patterns by using radio resource control RRC broadcast signaling, RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling.

Further, the base station further includes:

-   -   an adding unit, configured to add a field or an information         element to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated         signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer         signaling, where the field or the information element is used to         configure the preset set of patterns.

The adding unit is configured to add a field or an information element to a master information block MIB or a system information block SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

The determining unit 501 is configured to: determine a corresponding set of patterns for the UE, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is one or more patterns included in the preset set of patterns; and determine, from the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

Further, the base station further includes:

-   -   a notification unit, configured to notify, by using radio         resource control RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control         control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling,         the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

Further, the base station further includes:

-   -   an adding unit, configured to add a field or an information         element to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or         the physical layer signaling, where the field or the information         element is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding         to the UE.

The notification unit is configured to notify, by using the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, the UE of an index, in the preset set of patterns, of the pattern included in the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, so that the UE determines, from the preset set of patterns according to the index, in the preset set of patterns, of the pattern included in the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

The adding unit is configured to add a field or an information element to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the index, in the preset set of patterns, of the pattern included in the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

The determining unit 501 is configured to: determine a characteristic parameter of user equipment, where each pattern of the preset set of patterns is corresponding to a characteristic parameter; and determine, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and a pattern, a pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the user equipment as the first pattern, where the characteristic parameter is: a path loss value or path loss range, or a reference signal received power value or reference signal received power range, or a reference signal received quality value or reference signal received quality range, or a channel quality information value or channel quality information range, or a service type, or a power saving requirement, or a delay requirement, or a quality of times a pre-specified channel is successfully detected, or a mobility requirement.

The pattern further determines a control information format and/or a power setting that are/is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

The UE is notified, by using RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling, of the determined first pattern.

In this embodiment, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. A resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information is determined according to the first pattern. The control information is mapped to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the mapped control information is sent by using a physical channel. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

Embodiment 6

Referring to FIG. 6, this embodiment of the disclosure provides user equipment UE, including:

-   -   a determining unit 601, configured to determine, from a preset         set of patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset         set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information; and     -   an acquisition unit 602, configured to acquire, according to the         first pattern determined by the determining unit 601, the         control information on a resource, to which the control         information is mapped, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of the used resource, an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe, an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, or an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource is: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

Preferably, the acquisition unit 602 is configured to: determine, according to the first pattern, an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, determine, in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and acquire the control information on the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information; or

-   -   the acquisition unit 602 is configured to: determine, from a         preset supportable aggregation level, an aggregation level that         is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control         information, determine, according to the first pattern,         separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation         level used in each subframe, a resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and         acquire the control information on the resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information; or     -   the acquisition unit 602 is configured to: determine, according         to the first pattern, an aggregation level and a resource         indicator for a resource, where the aggregation level and the         resource are used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple         subframes, the control information; determine, according to the         resource indicator for the resource used in each subframe,         separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation         level used in each subframe, a resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and         acquire the control information on the resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

The pattern included in the preset set of patterns is a pattern pre-specified by a system.

Preferably, the UE further includes:

-   -   a receiving unit, configured to receive radio resource control         RRC broadcast signaling, RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access         Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer         signaling that is sent by a base station, where a field or an         information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC         broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE         signaling, or the physical layer signaling, and the field or the         information element is used to configure the preset set of         patterns; and determine the preset set of patterns according to         the field or the information element.

A field or an information element is added, by the base station, to a master information block MIB or a system information block SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

The determining unit 601 is configured to: receive radio resource control RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling that is sent by a base station, where a field or an information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, the field or the information element is used to configure a set of patterns corresponding to the user equipment UE, and the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is one or more patterns included in the preset set of patterns; determine, according to the field or the information element, the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, and determine, from the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

The determining unit 601 is configured to receive radio resource control RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling that is sent by a base station, where a field or an information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, and the field or the information element is used to configure an index, in the preset set of patterns, of a pattern included in a set of patterns corresponding to the user equipment UE; and

-   -   determine, from the preset set of patterns according to the         index, which is in the preset set of patterns and configured in         the field or the information element, of the pattern included in         the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, the set of patterns         corresponding to the UE, and determine, from the set of patterns         corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

The determining unit 601 is configured to: determine a characteristic parameter of the user equipment, where each pattern of the preset set of patterns is corresponding to a characteristic parameter; and determine, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and a pattern, a pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the user equipment as the first pattern, where the characteristic parameter is: a path loss value or range, or a reference signal received power value or range, or a reference signal received quality value or range, or a channel quality information value or range, or a service type, or a power saving requirement, or a delay requirement, or a quality of times a pre-specified channel is successfully detected, or a mobility requirement.

The pattern determines a control information format and/or power setting information that are/is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

The determining unit 601 is configured to: receive signaling sent by a base station, where the signaling includes a configuration for the first pattern, and the signaling is RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling; and determine the first pattern according to the configuration for the first pattern.

In this embodiment, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns. And the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. The control information is acquired, according to the first pattern, on a resource, to which the control information is mapped, in each subframe of the multiple subframes. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

Embodiment 7

Referring to FIG. 7, this embodiment of the disclosure provides a base station, including:

-   -   a processor 701, configured to determine, from a preset set of         patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set of         patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information, where     -   the processor 701 is further configured to: determine, according         to the first pattern, a resource that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control         information, and map the control information to the resource         that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information; and     -   a transmitter 702, configured to send, by using a physical         channel, the control information mapped by the processor 701.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource, an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe, an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, or an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource is: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

The processor 701 is configured to: determine, according to the first pattern, an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, determine, in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and map the control information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information; or

-   -   the processor 701 is configured to: determine, from a preset         supportable aggregation level, an aggregation level that is used         for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information,         determine, according to the first pattern, separately in search         space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each         subframe, the resource that is used for transmitting, in each         subframe, the control information, and map the control         information to the resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe, the control information; or     -   the processor 701 is configured to: determine, according to the         first pattern, an aggregation level and a resource indicator for         a resource, where the aggregation level and the resource are         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information; determine, according to the         resource indicator for the resource used in each subframe,         separately in search space corresponding to the aggregation         level used in each subframe, the resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information; and map         the control information to the resource that is used for         transmitting, in each subframe, the control information.

The pattern included in the preset set of patterns is one or more patterns that are determined according to a control element, a channel variation characteristic, a coverage enhancement degree, and/or a scheduling characteristic that are available in each subframe.

The pattern included in the preset set of patterns is a pattern pre-specified by a system.

The transmitter 702 is further configured to notify user equipment UE of the preset set of patterns by using radio resource control RRC broadcast signaling, RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling.

The processor 701 is further configured to add a field or an information element to the RRC broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

The processor 701 is further configured to add a field or an information element to a master information block MIB or a system information block SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

The processor 701 is configured to: determine a corresponding set of patterns for the UE, where the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is one or more patterns included in the preset set of patterns; and determine, from the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

The transmitter 702 is further configured to notify, by using radio resource control RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling, the UE of the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

The processor 701 is further configured to add a field or an information element to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

The transmitter 702 is further configured to notify, by using the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, the UE of an index, in the preset set of patterns, of the pattern included in the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, so that the UE determines, from the preset set of patterns according to the index, in the preset set of patterns, of the pattern included in the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

The processor 701 is further configured to add a field or an information element to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the index, in the preset set of patterns, of the pattern included in the set of patterns corresponding to the UE.

The processor 701 is further configured to: determine a characteristic parameter of user equipment, where a pattern included in the preset set of patterns is corresponding to a characteristic parameter; and determine, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and a pattern, a pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the user equipment as the first pattern, where the characteristic parameter is: a path loss value or path loss range, or a reference signal received power value or reference signal received power range, or a reference signal received quality value or reference signal received quality range, or a channel quality information value or channel quality information range, or a service type, or a power saving requirement, or a delay requirement, or a quality of times a pre-specified channel is successfully detected, or a mobility requirement.

The pattern further determines a control information format and/or a power setting that are/is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

The UE is notified, by using RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling, of the determined first pattern.

In this embodiment, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. A resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information is determined according to the first pattern. The control information is mapped to the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, and the mapped control information is sent by using a physical channel. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

Embodiment 8

Referring to FIG. 8, this embodiment of the disclosure provides user equipment UE, including:

-   -   a processor 801, configured to determine, from a preset set of         patterns, a pattern as a first pattern, where the preset set of         patterns includes one or more patterns, and the pattern         determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting,         in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information         and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is         used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple         subframes, the control information, where     -   the processor 801 is further configured to acquire, according to         the first pattern, the control information on a resource, to         which the control information is mapped, in each subframe of the         multiple subframes.

The aggregation level indicates a quantity of control elements or a quantity of physical resource blocks that are used for transmitting the control information.

The resource indicator for the used resource is a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are at an aggregation level in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of a start resource in the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, a location indicator indicating a location, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of the used resource, an index of a candidate physical control channel in all candidate physical control channels that are provided by search space corresponding to an aggregation level in a single subframe, an index, in all resources that can be provided by a single subframe, of the used resource, or an index, in all resources that are in a single subframe and that can be processed by the user equipment, of the used resource.

The resource includes one or more of a time resource, a frequency resource, a codeword resource, and a power resource, and a size of the resource is predetermined. More specifically, the resource is: one control channel element, a control channel element set composed of multiple control channel elements, one enhanced control channel element, an enhanced control channel element set composed of multiple enhanced control channel elements, one physical resource block, multiple physical resource blocks, one resource element, multiple resource elements, one sub-band, or multiple sub-bands.

The processor 801 is configured to: determine, according to the first pattern, an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information, determine, in search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each subframe, a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information, and acquire the control information on the resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information; or

-   -   the processor 801 is configured to: determine, from a preset         supportable aggregation level, an aggregation level that is used         for transmitting, in each subframe, the control information,         determine, according to the first pattern, separately in search         space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each         subframe, a resource that is used for transmitting, in each         subframe, the control information, and acquire the control         information on the resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe, the control information; or     -   the processor 801 is configured to: determine, according to the         first pattern, an aggregation level and a resource indicator for         a resource, where the aggregation level and the resource are         used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes,         the control information; determine, according to the resource         indicator for the resource used in each subframe, separately in         search space corresponding to the aggregation level used in each         subframe, a resource that is used for transmitting, in each         subframe, the control information, and acquire the control         information on the resource that is used for transmitting, in         each subframe, the control information.

The pattern included in the preset set of patterns is a pattern pre-specified by a system.

The UE further includes:

-   -   a receiver 802, configured to receive radio resource control RRC         broadcast signaling, RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access         Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer         signaling that is sent by a base station, where a field or an         information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC         broadcast signaling, the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE         signaling, or the physical layer signaling, and the field or the         information element is used to configure the preset set of         patterns; and determine the preset set of patterns according to         the field or the information element.

A field or an information element is added, by the base station, to a master information block MIB or a system information block SIB of the RRC broadcast signaling, where the field or the information element is used to configure the preset set of patterns.

The processor 801 is configured to: receive radio resource control RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling that is sent by a base station, where a field or an information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, the field or the information element is used to configure a set of patterns corresponding to the user equipment UE, and the set of patterns corresponding to the UE is one or more patterns included in the preset set of patterns; determine, according to the field or the information element, the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, and determine, from the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

The processor 801 is configured to receive radio resource control RRC dedicated signaling, Media Access Control control element MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling that is sent by a base station, where a field or an information element is added, by the base station, to the RRC dedicated signaling, the MAC CE signaling, or the physical layer signaling, and the field or the information element is used to configure an index, in the preset set of patterns, of a pattern included in a set of patterns corresponding to the user equipment UE; and

-   -   determine, from the preset set of patterns according to the         index, which is in the preset set of patterns and configured in         the field or the information element, of the pattern included in         the set of patterns corresponding to the UE, the set of patterns         corresponding to the UE, and determine, from the set of patterns         corresponding to the UE, a pattern as the first pattern.

The processor 801 is configured to: determine a characteristic parameter of the user equipment, where a pattern included in the preset set of patterns is corresponding to a characteristic parameter; and determine, according to a correspondence between a characteristic parameter and a pattern, a pattern corresponding to the characteristic parameter of the user equipment as the first pattern, where the characteristic parameter is: a path loss value or range, or a reference signal received power value or range, or a reference signal received quality value or range, or a channel quality information value or range, or a service type, or a power saving requirement, or a delay requirement, or a quality of times a pre-specified channel is successfully detected, or a mobility requirement.

The pattern determines a control information format and/or power setting information that are/is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information.

The processor 801 is configured to: receive signaling sent by a base station, where the signaling includes a configuration for the first pattern, and the signaling is RRC dedicated signaling, MAC CE signaling, or physical layer signaling; and determine the first pattern according to the configuration for the first pattern.

In this embodiment, a pattern is determined, from a preset set of patterns, as a first pattern, where the preset set of patterns includes one or more patterns. And the pattern determines an aggregation level that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of multiple subframes, control information and/or determines a resource indicator for a resource that is used for transmitting, in each subframe of the multiple subframes, the control information. The control information is acquired, according to the first pattern, on a resource, to which the control information is mapped, in each subframe of the multiple subframes. In this way, the control information is mapped and transmitted in the multiple subframes, and reliability of control information transmission is improved.

A person of ordinary skill in the art may understand that all or some of the steps of the embodiments may be implemented by hardware or a program instructing related hardware. The program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may include: a read-only memory, a magnetic disk, or an optical disc.

The foregoing descriptions are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, but are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Any modification, equivalent replacement, and improvement made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A control information receiving method, comprising: determining, by a user equipment, a first pattern corresponding to a characteristic parameter of the user equipment from a preset set of patterns, the first pattern corresponding to one or both of an aggregation level for control information in each subframe of multiple subframes or a resource indicator for a resource that is used for the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes, each pattern of the preset set of patterns being associated with a corresponding characteristic parameter, the characteristic parameter of the user equipment comprising at least one of a reference signal received power range or a reference signal received power value; and acquiring, by the user equipment, the control information mapped on the resource in each subframe of the multiple subframes according to the first pattern.
 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pattern corresponds to a control information format used for transmitting the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the preset set of patterns comprises at least one of: pattern 1: {(4,0), (4,0), (4,0), (4,0)}; or pattern 2: {(8,0), (8,0), (8,0), (8,0)}; wherein pattern 1 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 4 is 0; pattern 2 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 8, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 8 is
 0. 4. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: receiving, by the user equipment from a base station, radio resource control (RRC) broadcast signaling or RRC dedicated signaling, the RRC broadcast signaling or the RRC dedicated signaling including a field or an information element; and determining, by the user equipment, the preset set of patterns according to the field or the information element.
 5. A control information sending method comprising: determining, by a network device, a first pattern corresponding to a characteristic parameter of a user equipment from a preset set of patterns, the first pattern corresponding to one or both of an aggregation level for control information in each subframe of multiple subframes or a resource indicator for a resource that is used for the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes, each pattern of the preset set of patterns being associated with a corresponding characteristic parameter, the characteristic parameter of the user equipment comprising at least one of a reference signal received power range or a reference signal received power value; determining, by the network device, the resource according to the first pattern; sending, by the network device, the control information mapped to the resource, the sending using a physical channel.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the pattern corresponds to a control information format used for transmitting the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes.
 7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the preset set of patterns comprises at least one of: pattern 1: {(4,0), (4,0), (4,0), (4,0)}; or pattern 2: {(8,0), (8,0), (8,0), (8,0)}; wherein pattern 1 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 4 is 0; and pattern 2 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 8, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 8 is
 0. 8. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: sending, by the network device, to the user equipment, radio resource control (RRC) broadcast signaling or RRC dedicated signaling, the RRC broadcast signaling or the RRC dedicated signaling including a field or an information element, the field or the information element indicating the preset set of patterns.
 9. An apparatus, comprising: a storage medium configured to store program instructions; and one or more processors in communication with the storage medium, the one or more processors execute the program instructions to perform operations comprising: determining a first pattern corresponding to a characteristic parameter of a user equipment from a preset set of patterns, the first pattern corresponding to one or both of an aggregation level for control information in each subframe of multiple subframes or a resource indicator for a resource that is used for the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes, each pattern of the preset set of patterns being associated with a corresponding characteristic parameter, the characteristic parameter of the user equipment comprising at least one of a reference signal received power range or a reference signal received power value; and acquiring the control information mapped on the resource in each subframe of the multiple subframes according to the first pattern.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pattern corresponds to a control information format used for transmitting the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the preset set of patterns comprises at least one of: pattern 1: {(4,0), (4,0), (4,0), (4,0)}; or pattern 2: {(8,0), (8,0), (8,0), (8,0)}; wherein pattern 1 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 4 is 0; pattern 2 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 8, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 8 is
 0. 12. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the operations further comprise: receiving radio resource control (RRC) broadcast signaling or RRC dedicated signaling from a base station, the RRC broadcast signaling or RRC dedicated signaling including a field or an information element; and determining the preset set of patterns according to the field or the information element.
 13. An apparatus, comprising: a storage medium configured to store program instructions; and one or more processors in communication with the storage medium, the one or more processors execute the program instructions to perform operations comprising: determining a first pattern corresponding to a characteristic parameter of user equipment from a preset set of patterns, the first pattern corresponding to one or both of an aggregation level for control information in each subframe of multiple subframes or a resource indicator for a resource that is for the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes, each pattern of the preset set of patterns being associated with a corresponding characteristic parameter, the characteristic parameter of the user equipment comprising at least one of a reference signal received power range or a reference signal received power value; determining the resource according to the first pattern; and sending the control information mapped to the resource, using a physical channel.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the pattern corresponds to a control information format that is used for transmitting the control information in each subframe of the multiple subframes.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the preset set of patterns comprises at least one of: pattern 1: {(4,0), (4,0), (4,0), (4,0)}; or pattern 2: {(8,0), (8,0), (8,0), (8,0)}; wherein pattern 1 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 4, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 4 is 0; and pattern 2 indicates that in each subframe, an aggregation level used for transmitting control information is 8, and a control channel element set whose index in search space associated with the aggregation level 8 is
 0. 16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the operations further comprises: sending to a user equipment, radio resource control (RRC) broadcast signaling or RRC dedicated signaling, the RRC broadcast signaling or the RRC dedicated signaling including a field or an information element, the field or the information element indicating the preset set of patterns. 